Alumni and Development

College of Social Work Diversity Statement

The College of Social Work and the University of Tennessee welcome and honor all people. In accordance with the U.S. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the U.S. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE 2015 Educational Policy Statement), “the dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including” age, class, color, culture, mental or physical disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, national origin, political ideology, race, regionality, religion and spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. The College values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity. “A person’s diverse life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim” (CSWE 2015 Educational Policy Statement). The College of Social Work promotes social justice and social change, and strives to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice.
(Rev. 8-13-15)

Practice within the defining principles "of service, social and economic justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, and integrity and competence" (CSWE, Educational Policy, Purposes, 1.0).

To this end, the MSSW and BSSW curricula shall provide content and learning experiences to prepare social workers "...to practice without discrimination, with respect, and with knowledge and skills related to clients' age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation (and)...to alleviate poverty, oppression, and other forms of social injustice...." (CSWE, Educational Policy, Purposes, 1.2).

A Diverse Student Body

The College of Social Work and The University of Tennessee actively seek students from different backgrounds and with different needs. The following services and programs are available to help meet the needs of these groups.

International Students. The University provides advanced educational opportunities for qualified students from many countries, as well as an active international organization and support service on the Knoxville campus.

Minority Students. The UT Diversity Affairs Committee is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment within the University of Tennessee community by educating about diversity in its complexities and exposing students to new experiences. The Diversity Affairs Committee strives to be responsive to the need of civility and cultural awareness on campus by offering various programs that embrace differences, celebrate unity, and commit to social justice.

The College has a Committee on Diversity and Inclusivity, comprised of faculty and students who organize programs and advise on minority issues. Each campus has a support group or mentoring group available to interested minority students.

Students with Disabilities. The University Office of Disability Services organizes and provides essential support services for students, faculty, and staff with temporary or permanent disabilities. The College of Social Work itself has successfully accommodated the needs of students with a wide range of disabilities and is flexible in actively seeking adequate support for these students.

A Vision for Diversity

In striving for excellence our professional values, ethics, history, and future demand that social work educators, researchers, and practitioners are culturally competent and vested in responding to oppressive institutional, societal and political trends. Thus, the College seeks diversity in its faculty, field instructors, students, and staff. Cultural relevance and sensitivity to the personal, social, economic, and political needs of vulnerable, high-risk groups is emphasized throughout the education, research, and service of students and faculty.